Title
Tri-Municipal Region Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Environmental Sustainability Initiatives and Planning
Proposed Motion(s)
That Council adopt the Tri-Municipal Memorandum of Understanding on Environmental Sustainability Initiatives and Planning for exploring an increased level of cooperation between Parkland County, the Town of Stony Plain, and the City of Spruce Grove with respect to environmental initiatives and planning.
Body
Administration Recommendation(s)
Administration is of the opinion that by adopting the Tri-Region MOU, Council will demonstrate its strong commitment to the safeguarding the Region's environment, and its commitment to working with neighbouring municipalities on matters of mutual interest, concern, and benefit. By adopting the MOU, Council will empower members of Administration to explore ways to increase the effectiveness of environmental program delivery for the Tri-Region, to explore new external funding sources, and to establish cooperative arrangements with one or more signatores of this MOU to enhance the Region's natural environment for current and future generations where and when it makes sense to do so.
Purpose
Adopting the attached proposed MOU will enable Administration to establish a Tri-Regional Working Group. The proposed RFD is presented to Council for adoption.
Summary
In early 2011 Parkland County Council approved Administration hire a summer student to review the County's ICSP and to explore the possibility of establishing a Tri-Regional Agreement on sustainability. From July 2011 until June 2012, members of administration from Stony Plain, Spruce Grove, and Parkland County jointly developed the attached MOU, background, terms of reference, and implementation strategy. The documents have gone through an extensive review process which involved having them reviewed and approved by senior administration and elected officials from each of the three municipalities. The present request is to ask that Council adopt the proposed Tri-Regional Memorandum of Understanding on Environmental Initiatives and Planning.
Strategic Plan/Policy/Legal/Staff Implications (As Required)
Strategic plan implications: Goals that would be partially met by adopting this MOU:
Environment goal 1: Parkland County will be a respected steward of the environment
Governance goal 2: Parkland County will have mutually beneficial partnerships with other municipalities and orders of government based on respect for aspirations, autonomy, and right to self-determination of each.
Staff Implications:
1. Adopting the MOU would authorize Administration to appoint a member of staff to jointly establish a Tri-Regional Working Group with members of administraiton from Spruce Grove and Stony Plain.
Policy Implications:
2. A regional approach to addressing sustainability-related issues may arise as a result of the efforts of the Working Group.
Financial Impact:
Cost: N/A
Source of Funding: External
Other (As Required)